The 2013Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, October 31-Nov 4, 2013, has drawn to a close. Picture-perfect weather brought out record numbers of boating enthusiasts.
54th ANNUAL
The 54th installment of the annual Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, FLIBS, covers six locations and over 3 million square feet of space. Exhibits range from yacht builders and designers, to exotic cars and brokerage yachts. A variety of boats are on display, both in water and on land – runabouts, center consoles, cabin cruisers, skiffs, sailing yachts, tenders, superyachts, megayachts, powerboats, catamarans, and monohull sailboats.
Of course the star attractions each year remain the extraordinary superyacht vessels that dominate the Caribbean yacht charter marketplace each winter.
“For us, FLIBS represents the launch of the winter charter season,” says Jana Sheeder , President of SailAway Yacht Charters and 1-800 Yacht Charters. “This is our chance to introduce our clients to the winter season’s best options for Florida yacht charter vacations. Additionally, many of these yachts will consider relocating to the nearby islands to accept Bahamas yacht charter bookings.”
In addition to the hundreds of yachts on display, Sheeder points out the show is the perfect venue for inspecting and testing the hottest new watertoys.
“If we see a ‘must have’ toy that we feel will enhance the charter experience for our clients, we’ll be the first to promote it to the charter yacht owners. There is truly something for everyone at FLIBS.”
Are you ready for the “Good News/Bad News” update?
GOOD NEWS: Formula 1 announced an agreement in principle to hold a race in Miami, starting in 2021.
BAD NEWS: Undoubtedly, the idea a Miami Grand Prix yacht charter seems lost, as the race will be held inland. Specifically, far from the ocean.
ORIGINAL IDEA
We were initially excited to see race organizers focusing on a circuit in downtown Miami, along Biscayne Bay. This course allows superyachts to dock or anchor close to the course, similar to the layout of the Monaco Grand Prix. Yacht charter clients and their guests watch the cars scream by from the comfort of their yacht’s sun deck.
There was considerable local opposition to holding a grand prix in downtown Miami. Residents and local business owners voiced concerns about interruptions to business caused by the construction of the race track.
CHANGE OF LOCATION
Organizers then shifted their attention to building a road course on the grounds of Hard Rock Stadium – home to the NFL’s Miami Dolphins. The stadium is miles inland from the ocean – in the community of Miami Springs.
This week, Formula 1 announced an agreement has been reached with real estate mogul and Dolphins owner Stephen Ross to establish a race in Miami, with the inaugural event in 2021.:
“We are thrilled to announce that Formula One and Hard Rock Stadium have reached an agreement in principle to host the first-ever Formula One Miami Grand Prix at Hard Rock Stadium,”
F1 Miami Grand Prix
AGREEMENT SUBJECT TO APPROVAL
The agreement is subject to approval by Miami-Dade County.
In their statement, F1’s Sean Bratches and Tom Garfinkel, the chief executive of Hard Rock Stadium, outlined the financial benefits the race will bring to Miami.
“With an estimate annual impact of more than $400m and 35,000 room nights, the F1 Miami Grand Prix will be an economic juggernaut for South Florida each year.”
TWITTER UPDATE BY F1
Garfinkel added to the announcement with a comment on Twitter.
“The world’s greatest racing @f1 has never been to S. Florida. Imagine people coming to this region from around the World in May. Multiple passing zones and world-class clubs and amenities. Barcelona, Monaco… Miami… make it happen.”
The agreement specifically calls for Ross to fund construction of the estimated $40 million custom track and cover all race-related expenses.
WHAT ABOUT THE YACHTS?
Watching the race from the deck of a yacht charter vessel is now out of the question. In spite of the location change, we are hopeful clients will still consider a Miami Grand Prix yacht charter – as a “Destination Event.”
DESTINATION YACHT CHARTER IDEA
The yachts can serve as platforms for corporate hospitality! Helicopters and private transportation in use to shuttle clients and guests to Hard Rock Stadium for the race.
The original post below………..
F1 RACING COMES TO MIAMI?
Formula 1 is here. Ladies and Gentlemen, start your engines. Captains, prepare to cast off!
Formula One is scouting Miami, Florida as a site for a Grand Prix race. F1, or FIA Formula One World Championship, is the foremost auto racing league. Envision Miami. First, dozens of superyachts lining the course. Second, thousands of thrilled spectators on yachts to watch see the action.
BACKGROUND
Per the Miami Herald, F1 execs met with Miami mayor and government officials in November. They discussed racing logistics for an annual event along Biscayne Bay, through downtown Miami.
Events Director for city of Miami, Vicente Betancourt, says the goal is to add Miami to the Formula 1 season in 2020. “It’s like the Super Bowl of auto racing,” said Betancourt. “Hopefully we can make it happen.”
WHO WILL ANNOUNCE THE RACE?
Will the amazing Michael Buffer possibly be the announcer for a Miami Grand Prix Formula One race?
WHO WILL DRIVE RACE CARS?
Wouldn’t you love to see professional race car drivers like Lewis Hamilton, Bottas, Vettel, Raikkonen, or Verstappen driving? High-tech Mercedes, Ferraris, Alfa Romeos, and Maseratis on the Sunny downtown Miami streets?
SPONSORSHIPS
Equally important, what a wonderful boost for the South Florida economy. A Grand Prix Formula One race could provide corporate sponsorships from such companies as Amazon. (Jeff Bezos, graduated high school in Miami, in the same class as our company President, Jana Sheeder). Additional sponsors are lining up. For instance,
From April through November, the Formula One’s series is comprised of 20 races in cities around the world. Those cities include Singapore, Budapest, Sao Paulo, Dubai, and Monaco. There are 15 road courses and five courses laid out on city streets.
Formula 1 has new ownership (Liberty Media) and looks to expand its U.S. presence. F1 has a massive fan base across the globe; however, it lags behind other sports in the United States, like football, basketball, and NASCAR. Soccer is as popular as F1 racing. The only United States Grand Prix race is in Austin, Texas right now. Chase Carey, Liberty Media’s CEO of the Formula 1 Group, says he wants another race in America. An event in Miami, or possibly Las Vegas or New York, has been publicly discussed.
Carey wants to see F1 grab a foothold in “destination cities” like New York, Los Angeles, Miami, or Las Vegas. As a result, this would create a week-long celebration capable of attracting people from all over the world.
“Of all the races held annually by F1, the two premier events are staged in Monaco and Abu Dhabi,” says Sheeder. “Both locations have courses along the waterfront, and thousands of spectators enjoy the race and the festivities from the decks of dozens of luxury yachts. The Miami Grand Prix would duplicate that unique setting, as the course would pass through downtown Miami, along our beautiful waterfront area – and we have many superyachts that already make South Florida their home port.”
According to AutoGuide.com, Formula One filed on November 1st for a new trademark on a race event in Miami (as well as Las Vegas and New York). The next day, Sean Bratches, Formula One’s director of commercial operations, came to Miami, with his track engineers, and met with Mayor Francis Suarez and checked out the city streets near the downtown area, along the waterfront. Betancourt, who has been in communications with F1 since May said nothing was finalized. “We’ve got to see if it works and what it would cost them to actually bring it out. I think the ball is pretty much in their court.”
MIAMI BACKGROUND
Sheeder points out the idea of a major road race and spectator yachts is not new for the city. In the 1980’s, the Miami Grand Prix was a major annual event (but not affiliated with the F1 series).
“Private luxury yacht charter vessels would line up, stern-to the seawall in the area that is now the Bayside Marketplace, and spectators would watch the race from the deck of their superyachts. In the evening, many of the yachts would host private parties for the charterers, as well as the owners, drivers, and corporate sponsors of the racing teams.”
MOVE OVER, MONACO!
Sheeder is optimistic a new F1 week-long race event will become a marquee attraction for South Florida.
“Assuming the financing and logistics make sense for Formula One, a corporate hospitality Miami Grand Prix yacht charter could easily rival the excitement of a Monaco Grand Prix yacht charter or an Abu Dhabi yacht charter. Yes, Monaco has the edge thanks to many decades of exposure, but Miami could make a big splash. We have the best weather, and the largest inventory of luxury yacht charter vessels anywhere in the world. Throw in the sexy appeal of nearby South Beach with world-famous hotels, restaurants, nightclubs, and celebrities, and Miami is a world-class big-event town.”
Where else can you go to an upscale event, wearing little more than sandals and a bathing suit, where the best “seat” in the house is in an on deck Jacuzzi on a private luxury yacht???
Welcome to Miami! Bienvenidos a Miami!
THAT’S A WRAP
In conclusion, attending a Grand Prix event on a yacht is the ultimate in corporate hospitality. Come experience the excitement and glamour of Formula 1 racing in 2018.
Arranging luxury yacht charter vacations for celebrities and corporate titans requires Jana Sheeder to mix and mingle with the rich and famous. She frequently attends exclusive cocktail parties and special events. She can be seen, for example, at the Super Bowl and the Sony Ericsson Miami Open tennis tournament. While it sounds glamorous, Sheeder is quick to tell you she is happiest in work boots and gloves, cleaning a horse stable at an animal sanctuary.
“Arranging a Caribbean or Mediterranean yacht charter vacation on a superyacht is my vocation, but my passion is animal welfare,” says Sheeder, President and CEO of 1-800-YACHT CHARTERS.
PRESIDENT SCHEDULE
Hers is a balancing act that requires tight scheduling and unwavering commitment to protecting abused and homeless animals. A typical day begins with releasing butterflies that Jana has raised to help pollinate the environment. A bit later, business meetings and emails to prospective megayacht charter customers are underway. Throw in the occasional personal inspection of a newly built superyacht. Later in the day, Sheeder exchanges her business suit for denim, as she heads to the local animal shelter to assist in a pet adoption event.
WEEKENDS FOR JANA
Weekends are a blur, as Sheeder often volunteers to help transport 5 to 25 rescued dogs and cats to a sanctuary 100 miles away. When not transporting animals, Sheeder spends time at a horse sanctuary, feeding and caring for abused and abandoned horses. Sanctuaries also have other livestock, for instance, goats, chickens, cows, and pigs, all of which add to the work life balance for Jana.
JANA IN THE NEWS
Recently, Sheeder drew the attention of TV’s Animal Planet as well as radio, news media, and newspapers. A serial cat killing spree left over two dozen dead and mutilated cats in South Florida. Sheeder worked with local animal rights advocates to arrange a safety seminar for hundreds of residents. A suspect was arrested just three days before the seminar. Sheeder cancelled the seminar and used the allocated time to spend the day volunteering at the county animal shelter!
“It’s all about making a difference in others’ lives – human AND animal.“
Miami’s premier superyacht marina, Island Gardens Deep Harbour, is under new management. The “upgrade” in management, in our opinion, is long overdue.
WHAT IS THE NEW NAME?
The new name for the Miami Superyacht Marina is Yacht Haven Grande Miami at Island Gardens. The marina opened in 2016 and is the annual home of the SuperYacht Miami Show each February.
ABOUT IGY MARINAS
Island Global Yachting (also known as IGY Marinas) will operate the rebranded Miami marina. This destination offers 50 superyacht berths – for yachts up to a maximum length of 550ft. In-slip fueling is available. High-power electrical service is also available.
LOCATION OF SUPERYACHT MARINA
The marina is located on Watson Island. The island is ideally located between Miami Beach to the east and downtown Miami to the west. Indeed, the views of the Miami skyline are postcard-perfect. The proximity to trendy area hotspots is unbeatable. This deep-water marina is always our first choice for our Miami yacht charter clients. Nevertheless, the marina was less than ideal for the yacht crews as they awaited the arrival of our charter guests. Specifically, the marina lacked a captain and crew lounge. Furthermore, customs and immigration assistance was sketchy at best.
MARINA AMENITIES
IGY has resolved these issues. There is now a crew lounge, as well as a conference room. Additionally, concierge services are available including valet and laundry/dry cleaning. On-site dining is also available. In fact, the newly re-opened dock-side café, aptly named, “The Deck” is described by Forbes as “Miami’s Hottest New Restaurant.”
MARINA SERVICES
We’re excited to take advantage of the new services and amenities. Apprehension gives way to anticipation, as we await the upcoming Superyacht Miami show (February 2021). We are unsure as to whether the show will go on or be well-attended in 2021. In specific, Covid, the pandemic, the Coronavirus changed the landscape of events. What’s exciting about the show? As an example, in the past, we transported prospective clients to the show via yacht tenders. The car parking lot was poorly maintained. We found it simpler, cleaner, more in tune with the theme, AND more fun to arrive via boat. Arrival by car is once again an option, with IGY concierge services in place.
We’re excited to welcome IGY Marinas to Miami. Moreover, we look forward to commencing more Miami superyacht charter vacations from this rebranded location.
HOW TO BOOK YOUR YACHT CHARTER
In conclusion, book a superyacht with us for your own private luxury yacht charter vacation today! Contact your yacht charter brokers at 1-800 Yacht Charters at 305-720-7245. If you prefer, complete our online inquiry form at https://1800yachtcharters.com/book-now/ .
We will be in touch with you right away to plan The Superyacht Experience™ for you!
Updated: November 18, 2019. Questions arose after the release of this blog post.
QUESTION 1
First, someone asked if children are considered *passengers.”
Answer: Yes, they are considered passengers. Many charteryachts will create special pricing for babies and toddlers. We will work with the owner, management company, or agent to get the best possible rate for you. Remember, babies and toddlers are legally considered members of the passenger manifest. They DO count toward your guest count.
QUESTION 2
Second, someone asked if the crew members are part of the “12 guest count.”
Answer: Not usually. Yes, there are some yachts whose crewmembers are a part of the guest count (for example, a captain). For the most part, however, the crew number does NOT factor into the guest count.
ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS ABOUT LEGALITY AND YACHT CHARTER?
On August 19, US Coast Guard officers in Miami board 147 foot M/Y Golden Touch II. They terminat the luxury yacht day charter for multiple safety violations. The owner and captain of the yacht face civil penalties. The penalities are up to $41,456 for the violations.
AS THE COAST GUARD VISITS THE YACHT
Upon boarding, the officers count 47 passengers. They cite the captain for carrying more paying passengers than the vessel is certified to have onboard, which is 12. Other violations includ the lack of a valid certificate of inspection. Others include failure to have a drug and alcohol program for the crew, as well as the lack of a valid stability letter.
THE COAST GUARD REPORTS
“Tragically, people have lost their lives on illegal charters, as was seen in the case of the vessel Jaguar in the Tampa Bay area and in the case of the Miami Vice yacht in Miami,” said USCG Capt. Ladonn Allen, of the 7th District prevention department. “The unsafe atmospheres that these types of companies and unlicensed captains, who knowingly engage in illegal activity, create on their boats show a complete disregard for passenger safety and have been responsible for multiple deaths in Florida alone. We cannot stress enough to anyone looking to charter a boat to verify the captain’s license and safety of the vessel.”
So how many passengers can a yacht legally carry? The answer can vary and depends upon many variables. For example, the type of certification the yacht holds and the type of license the captain possesses.
WHAT IS THE MAIN RULE?
As a general rule, most yachts for hire are restricted to 12 passengers, and require special certification to transport more than 12 guests.
HOW CAN I PROTECT MYSELF WHEN CHARTERING A YACHT?
First, make sure the boat you hire is operating legally. Retain the services of a professional yacht charter broker. A charter professional is numerous things. For instance, someone who knows the rules, has experience, and can determine which yacht and crew is right for you.
WHAT IF I KNOW THE CAPTAIN, PERSONALLY?
We realize it can be tempting to “go direct” and cut out the charter broker. The broker is essentially a middle-man/woman. He/she works for you and earns a commission for arranging your yacht charter, like Hertz or Avis, in renting a car.
WHAT PROBLEMS COULD I HAVE GOING DIRECT?
The possible savings of going direct are not what you might expect. Many yacht owners set a rate that does not change. The rate is firm, even if a yacht charter broker is involved. Most yacht charters pay commissions to the brokers from the rate paid on the boat. The charter fee is NOT “marked up” by ethical and reputable brokers, unlike going direct. Our company also rewards referrals for yacht charters presented to us.
HOW TO BOOK A YACHT CHARTER TODAY?
In conclusion, protect yourself and go with professionals who know and obey the rules of chartering. Your safety, satisfaction, and memorable experience are of utmost importance to us. To book your private luxury yacht charter vacation now, contact us today via whatsApp or text to 305-720-7245.
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